Russian forces launched what Kyiv’s mayor described as the most massive aerial attack on the Ukrainian capital since the full-scale invasion began, killing at least 13 civilians and wounding more than 80 in overnight strikes on 2 July. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired 74 missiles, including 24 ballistic missiles, and 496 drones; air defences intercepted most of the incoming weapons, but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones struck 33 locations, primarily in Kyiv. Residential buildings collapsed, an ambulance station was hit, and fires broke out across multiple districts, with emergency services continuing search operations under the rubble.

The Russian defence ministry stated the strike was retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure, claiming it targeted military industry facilities and energy complexes in Kyiv and other regions. Ukrainian officials, however, said the barrage deliberately struck residential neighbourhoods, destroying apartment blocks and killing civilians. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the assault a “night of horror” and rejected any justification of retaliation, asserting Ukraine’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter while Russia remained the aggressor.

The attack followed a warning by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who cut short a visit to Ireland citing intelligence of an impending strike. It marks an intensification of the long-range strike campaign between the two sides. According to Ukrainian military statements, Kyiv has in recent weeks stepped up drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, triggering fuel shortages inside Russia. Western analysts note that Moscow’s response has been to escalate aerial bombardments of Ukrainian cities, with the Kremlin stating it will continue to increase pressure on Kyiv to achieve its war aims.

Diplomatic efforts led by the United States have so far failed to produce a ceasefire. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced she would propose new sanctions on entities supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex. Zelensky renewed his request for US licences to produce Patriot air defence missiles domestically, arguing that faster deliveries of promised systems could have saved lives. No new negotiations have been scheduled, and both sides continue to exchange long-range strikes.